Report: Dak Prescott, Cowboys still not in rush to get contract done

Dak Prescott and the Dallas Cowboys have resumed discussing a long-term contract discussion, but that does not necessarily mean there is a sense of urgency to get a deal done — at least not yet.

The Cowboys have until July 15 to work out a long-term extension with Prescott, and a report on Wednesday claimed the two sides have been trading proposals and are making progress in talks. Ian Rapoport of NFL Media confirmed on Thursday that Prescott and the Cowboys have reengaged in talks, but Rapoport says there is no rush to get a deal finalized and “all involved would like to breathe a bit.”

There is no rush to do a deal, and I get the sense all involved would like to breathe a bit. The contract would be about far more than average dollars per year and these always take time. But the main point is, the two sides are back talking. https://t.co/YWcSolQdD6

— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) March 26, 2020

Prescott and the Cowboys reportedly went months without having any contract discussions, so any dialogue should be viewed as a positive. The two sides have to have a good understanding of what the other wants at this point, though Dallas may still be hesitant to pay Prescott the $35 million or more per year he is said to be seeking.

The Cowboys have made Prescott some aggressive offers, but all that matters with an NFL contract is guaranteed money. Prescott could sign a contract with an average annual value of $35-$40 million, but he wants guarantees like any other player.

Prescott picked a good time to have his best season as a pro last year, throwing for 4,902 yards, 30 touchdowns and 11 interceptions. He almost certainly wants to be the highest-paid quarterback in football (at least until Patrick Mahomes or Deshaun Watson sign their next deals), and the Cowboys may eventually grant him his wish.